A grim tally on the streets of Austin continued to rise with the city's 83rd traffic-related death of the year last week. According to the Austin Police Department (APD), the latest fatality occurred in the 2400 block of South Capitol of Texas Highway.
This tragic incident took place on Thursday, December 7th, when police were called to the scene of a single-vehicle crash at approximately 12:40 p.m. There, officers found one passenger, Byron Gutierrez-Rodriguez, deceased. The driver and another passenger were examined by the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Service (ATCEMS) and, declined transportation to a hospital.
Officials say the investigation into what led to the deadly crash is still ongoing. Fatality numbers and details provided in initial assessments may change as more information comes to light.
The APD is urging anyone with any information to come forward and assist in the investigation. Tips can be submitted through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting their website or, by calling 512-472-8477 directly. The Vehicular Homicide unit can also be reached at 512-974-8111 for those seeking to provide information directly to law enforcement authorities.
